Condolezza Rice
*On this date in 2004, National security adviser Condoleezza Rice said she will not testify publicly in front of the independent September 11th commission. Rice vigorously defended her actions in every other public forum over the issue. The Sept. 11 commission was one where she would be questioned about the Bush administration's failure to prevent the terrorist attacks before 9/11/2001.
On this date, Rice declared that "nothing would be better, from my point of view, than to be able to testify" to the commission. But added, "there is an important principle involved here: It is a long-standing principle that sitting national security advisers do not testify before the Congress." She had appeared before panel members in closed sessions. Rice mentioned she'd like to meet with the families of the Sept. 11 victims.
Kristen Breitweiser, whose husband Ronald was killed in New York's World Trade Center, said, "I'd love to meet with (Rice) as long as it's under oath and it's live in front of television cameras."
